H A R D |< O R PRELUDE Edition K i m a g u r e O r a n g e R o a d P r e m i e r F a n f i c t i o n by Robert Kwong ver 1.0 Complete 3/16/97 Based on characters from the Kimagure Orange Road Series created by the venerable Matsumoto Izumi. As you can see, this is fanfiction harkening back to the old Kimagure Orange Orange Road Series. In the Prelude edition, it outlines the events following the breakup of Hikaru and Kyouske which sets the stage for Shin Kor and HARD Kor series. These stories were written in the attempt to clarify certain details assumed and to provide clues for future Hard Kor episodes. HardKor Web Site (With Disclaimer and back-stories: Book A and Book B chapters) http://www-ucsee.eecs.berkeley.edu/~rk/HardKor.html My SuperPage for the General Kimagure Orange Road enthusiast http://www-ucsee.eecs.berkeley.edu/~rk/Kor.html My contact email address for comments or further correspondence: rk@soda.berkeley.edu Feel free to email me your impressions and suggestions for the series. Beta readers always welcome. If you want new stories emailed to you, please e-mail me at the above address. Thanks for reading my stories and making it one the most popular KOR fanfic on the web! (13000 can't be wrong!)I hope you enjoy reading it as I did writing it. Thanks again. And Happy St Patrick's Day! Robert Kwong Ark Productions -97- Legend: H=Hikaru Hiyami Y=Hino, Yuusaku <> Indicates characters thinking to themselves * Denotes action [] Denotes change of events Prelude: JuNi: Passion Fuel [At the Hino House, evening] (We see Hino sitting cross-legged in the garden) Ojiisan: Hello Yuusaku. Mind if I sit down? (sits right beside him) Y: Not at all, grandfather. Ojiisan: It has been over a week now, and I forgot to congratulate you on how well you did at the tournament. Y: How well? Are you jesting with me ojiisan? It was only a tie. And it wasn't really a tournament. It was just a meet. The real, big tournament occurs in the spring between all the schools in the area to decide who gets to represent our district. Ojiisan: (ha ha ha) Being your humble self, right? (*slaps him across the back, causing him to reel back*) But you did well, nonetheless. You were down but you came back. Y: I know. But I don't know how I did it. Ojiisan: I knew that good-luck charm had its effect. Y: You mean that old thing? Ojiisan: Yes, where is it? Y: It's somewhere...I'll go find it later. But why is it so lucky? It's only a piece of cloth. Ojiisan: Oh, you don't know how special it is. You had it ever since you were a baby. It was used to wrap the blanket around you. Y: Honto? Ojiichan: (nods) Why you see that peach tree out there? I planted it when we first found...I mean when you were first born. Y: I wonder. Why a peach tree? Why not an orange tree? Ojiichan: You can't be always eating oranges forever. And I happen to like peaches. Do you want one? Fruits are good for healing your wounds. How is it now? Y: You mean these bandages? (points to his face) I'll be ok. Doctor said I can take it off tomorrow. But that's the least of my problems. Ojiisan: Oh, to be netted with so many problems at so young an age. Lucky I was born in such a simple time. Too bad for you! (bursts out laughing) Y: Will ya show me a little sympathy, ojiisan? Ojiisan: (catching his breath) He-he. You can tell me. What is it now? Y: I'm afraid I've made a promise that I can't keep. Ojiisan: Is that so? (taps finger against chin) I got it. Don't keep it. Y: WHAT?! Ojiisan: No use trying if you know you can't keep it. Y: Gee, some help you are. Ojiisan: Then you shouldn't have made the promise, baka Yuu! Y: I know, I know, but I must. Ojiisan: Strange talk you are saying. First you say you can't, and now you say must. Make up your mind. Y: (*clenches fist*) [*Midnight at a remote cliffside area, with waves crashing in the backgorund*] (We hear the roar of a series of motorcycles coming towards another gang of people already there) (A dark helmet person comes towards them) "So you decided to show your face here." Ryoga: (takes off his red helmet) At least I have to guts to show my face. "How poetic, for a knave like you. Have it your way." (takes off his helmet) Ryoga: What a handsome face...for a crook like you Ishizaka-san. "Ah, but it's you who is the worm. You have not yielded the area." Ryoga: It's you who have forgotten the terms. I did not lose. "But you did not win." Ryoga: Neither of us won. That is why I haven't just gone out and takened your territory like a common thug. "There was no provision for a tie." Ryoga: No, there wasn't. That is why I suggest to carry it over to the real thing. "The tournament of the North Perfecture of Hokkaido." Ryoga: (nods) "Why should I? The deal is off. I can go and just take what I want. Hunada, go break his ribs." (Hunada, the big gorilla, approaches Ryoga with a crowbar. Ryoga, seemingly disinterested easily disarms him and flips him over, with his boot planted squarely on his head.) (Rest of Ryoga's gang): C'mon boss! If's a fight they want, we're kick their asses! Ryoga: (raises his hand to quiet them and then turns to adversary) Please don't send your goon to do your dirty work. It's just ain't proper. And I don't appreciate the dirty little tricks you've been playing. Don't think I don't know about how you tried to conspire to have me lose that little meet. Ishizaka: (wicked smile) As usual, I don't know know what you're talking about. Ryoga: Of course you don't, but I know you do. Which is why I'm proposing the following. Originally, you just wanted the areas my gang controlled and I wanted yours. Since the tournament is a much bigger affair, I suggest we raise the stakes. Ishizaka: (twitches eye) I'm listening. Ryoga: In addition to the original terms, the loser agrees to leave this province, from this area, forever to prevent any competition so to speak. If not, they may be vanquished by any means necessary. Ishizaka: I like the way that sounds. Getting rid of a worm like you would indeed be to my liking. So. It is agreed. Ryoga: Then we have nothing more to say. (stares steely into Ishizaka's eyes) I look forward to our next encounter, Toro Ishizaka! (places helmet back on and motions to his gang to follow) Ishizaka: [Next morning...] (Yuusaku riding to school in his sputtering motorcycle) Muroke: Gawd, that sounds bad! Y: I know. I've been having problems with it lately. Trouble, trouble, trouble. It seems to follow me like the plague now. Muroke: (stoops down to scan the motorcycle) Seems to be look ok on the outside. Must be something wrong on the inside. Y: Final examinations are coming up and now I have to worry about my bike! (slaps hand to his forehead) Muroke: Don't be so down-trodden. I know some friends in the chemistry department. Y: What can they do? Muroke: You worry about the calculus and I'll worry about how to make your engine sound cleaner. Y: Ok, whatever you can do. Thanks. Meet you later at lunchtime. [Elsewhere in school] (We see Hikaru sitting on a park bench, alone in her thougts, scribbling in a sketch book) A million thoughts racing through my head. My studies, tests, final exams coming up. Plus practice, practice, practice. Things getting busier and not letting up right after my birthday. Not too dramatic of a birthday party. Yuusaku was in his typical injured self, with bandages wrapped around his head like he had the mumps. It was so funny seeing him trying to eat. And what an odd gift he gave me: a strip of fluffy, fine red-orange cloth. Usually, he would give me more conventional gifts like chocolates or flowers. But a piece of cloth? It was nice and all, but he REALLY must have taken too many blows to the head. But that's Yuusaku for you. But I was wondering -- dreaming. Everything seemed to be coming into place: our two families together for a festive occasion, my feelings of bitterness passing away, and the renewing of cherished friendships. What more did I want? I should be happy, right? Especially since my birthday reminded me that I would be soon ascending into a new world: the transition from adolescence to adulthood. Before I knew it, I would be off and away to college and again isolated away from the people I loved. It was going to be a brave new world out there. Yet I had some doubt. Did I really want to face this new world? And would I be all alone to face it? "Hey Hiyama-san! Have you heard a word we've been sayin'?" H: What? Sorry Sario-san. What is it? "The final cast breakdown for the play. Sensei will be releasing it at the beginning of December. Isn't it so excitin'?" H: Yes. "Aren't you just plain anxious?" H: Yes. Good luck to you. "Thanks. But I'm not as bold as you to try out for the lead. I'm happy if I can be one of the cat trio friends. (looks over) Say, that looks rather cool looking. What ya drawin'?" H: Oh nothing. (quickly hides sketchbook into her bag) Oh look. It's time for lunch. Let's go. (We are treated to the view of the scribble: It is a rough picture of a mountain scenary reminiscent of 15th century Japan. With an edifice is a warrior practicing inside while a lady looks on secretly from outside.) [In the chemistry lab] Muroke: Hey, Shiijama-san! How's thing's going? (focusing intently on two test tubes in his hand are carefully pouring the one with the green liquid into the red one) "Oh, hi Muroke. What are you doing here? Do you need to reschedule the time for the d&d role-play meeting?" Muroke: No, it's not that. Actually, I have a favor to ask you on behalf of a friend. Remember the synthetic fuel experiment you were working on? "You mean the 'Organic Cleaner Burning Fuel Initiative'? Yeah. I'm going to enter that into the science fair this spring. Not only does it promise to be the next revolutionary fuel alternative to petroleum, but emits less toxins and actually cleans the engine systems! Once I perfect it, I'll be revered by every Japanese man and woman as the savior who helped Japan throw off the yoke of foreign oil. I'm still working on adjusting some of the ratios of the hydrocarbons to achieve better dynamic characteristics. And I... Muroke: Sorry to interrupt your visions of grandeur, but I wondered if I could borrow of the formula to try out? "Borrow it? Of course. You're my buddy, so you're welcome to it. But what are you going to try it out on? Remote control vehicle?" Muroke: Nah. I'll try it on a motorcycle. "Motorbike, eh? I guess that would be ok, but be very careful. This particular batch is extremely potent, so extreme caution must be exercised. It's still in the experimental stage and I'm not sure if it has any side effects or not." Muroke: Don't worry; I have a dare-devil friend who's willing to trying anything to aid your research. "Great! Let me know what happens. Why he can be part of my analysis study in the report I will be making for this project." Muroke: So where can I get it? (eyes still on test tubes, carefully pouring and preparing the secret concotion) "Over by the counter." Muroke: Thanks. You've been a great help. I'll spot you +2 endurance in the game. "Don't need it man; my necromancer will slay your elemental any day." Muroke: We'll see. (On the counter lies 2 metal canisters. Muroke grabs the one on the left) (On the bottom of the right cannister is labeled: "Fuel". We see the label at bottom of the cannister Muroke is carrying: "Fuhn" [At the bar] (Kaori is serving customers while Ryo sits at the barstool) Kaori:(behind the bar) So Ryo. What's eating at you now? Ryoga: (piece of straw in his mouth) Nothing. Kaori: Then it must be really something. Cmon. Spill it. Ryoga: I'm trying to piece this together. I know Toro is somehow in on the trade. Him and his whole family of Shimazaki follow the old way. Been tracking the recent movements of the usual elements these last 3 days. Something's up. Kaori: Did you figure out who tried to poison the team? Ryoga: Had my boys run a check through the food contents we ate that I fished out of the garbage. It revealed traces of depressant narcotic neatly disguised as msg powder. It would attack the gastointestional area, sapping the strength of the fighter. Almost worked too. As to who did it, I have a good idea. Kaori: You think it was Yuu-san, don't you? Ryoga: It certainly seems that way. And it fits so neatly. He and his sidekick Koji-san didn't get sick, while everyone else experienced some sort of discomfort. They are also both outsiders. And that Hino guy is from Tokyo. Kaori: So you think Toro hired him as an inflitrator to get rid of you? Ryoga: Wouldn't suprise me. Getting a 2-dan guy is certainly the right way to go. Frankly, I don't really trust the profile data I got on him; it could have been forged. I don't believe his plain, clean-cut story. Kaori: Ha! I told you so! Ryoga: Told me what? Kaori: That Hikaru girl. She's the lynchpin in this. Ryoga: Say what? Kaori: It makes perfect sense now. And all along you thought she was a goody girl. Ryoga: Now what nonsense are you blabbering about? Kaori: You don't get it do you, you big oaf? She and Yuusaku must be working together. She's trying to get close to you to get info from you and she later relays that info to Yuusaku. That is so crafty, using the woman to go after you with your guard down. Everyone knows women are your weakness. Ryoga: That's a bunch of bullshit! Kaori: See! I knew you were too blind to see the truth. You're getting too close for your own good that you're letting your guard down. For a girl, no doubt. Ryoga: Listen! There's nothing going on between us. And yes, I know you know I have a weakness for pretty ladies. But she's different, ok? And I didn't tell her anything at all. Kaori: But that means you did have the same suspicions, don't you? Ryoga: Yes. I thought about that possibility, since the two of them did come within a week of each other through school transfer no doubt. And the two seemed to be very familiar with each other. That is why I have scrutinize her thoroughly. Believe me, she's not the one. Kaori: Then there's only one way to find out, to prove both her and Yuusaku guilt or innocense in this matter. Ryoga: Fine. We'll play it your way. I'll set the bait for her and we'll see who bites. [Back in the secret clubhouse at the rival school] "You summoned me?" Toro: Hai. Now listen. I've scheduled a very important "delivery" to coincide with final examinations. It is my spring stock and I want no one to interfere, especially not by the likes of country trash Kinsu. I want you to keep constant track of his movements. Notify me immediately if you suspect anything. I don't want anything to go wrong this time. "Yes Master." Toro: I see you've healed much better. Very well. Now go. [Back at the schoolyard] Y: What's the big deal calling me out here like this? Muroke: I've got the answers to your vehicle troubles. This. (raises up metal canister) Y: That? What's so special about it? Muroke: I'm glad you ask. It's the fruit of my o-chem friend's labors. The ultimate fuel for the next millennium! Y: Are you kidding me? I'm in no mood for jokes. Muroke: No, no. Trust me. Y: That's what I'm afraid of. Muroke: C'mon. Indulge me. Y: You better be right about this. Otherwise, I'll hold you responsible if it messes up my bike. (Yuusaku pours some of the liquid into the gas tank. ) Muroke: Let me crank it up for you. (starts engine) Y: Hey! Don't! (*Sputter, sputter BANG BANG! POOOOOF!*) (A cloud of smoke from the exhaust suddenly envelopes all over Yuusaku's face) Y: (*COUGH COUGH .. COUGH*) SHIT! WHAT'D YOU DO THAT FOR! I'M GOING TO GET YOU -- (sudden shift in Yuusaku's counternance and a dreamy look appears on his face) Y: ...that new Chiemi Hori poster you been looking for. Muroke: (eyes widen behind glasses) ?? (Kaori walks across Yuusaku's line of sight and he is instantly lovestruck) Y: Kaori-san! Oh how it is great to see you here. Kaori: Hi to you too. I have some things to do, so I catch you later. Y: (grabs her hand) OH! Don't you want to go out again? You said you wanted to show me more of the "sights". I am ready and eager now. Kaori: Woah boy! H-u-l-l-o-!? Didn't you hear me the first time? I gotta go, so I don't have time now. Maybe next time. Y: Oh please let me go with you. I am able and willing. Kaori: You sound like you need a dousing. Get a hold of yourself. I'll meet you afterwards. Y: (pulls her in towards him) I'm not going to take no for an answer! Kaori: Getting physical, aren't we? I like that in a man. (sees Hikaru walking by) Hold me now. Y: Gladly. (puts his arms around her) (Voices in the background) "How scandalous! To be doing that openly in public!" "And with the trash of the school too." "Transfer students; you never know what to expect." (Hikaru catches a glimpse of Yuusaku embracing Kaori amid the commotion) "Hikaru. Have a minute?" H: (turns head away quickly) Oh, Ryoga-san. Sorry I didn't see you before. Ready to go for my next English lesson? Ryoga: Yep. But I have a change of plans. Why don't you come by my place to study this time? You never been there before and I thought you would be interested in seeing how it was like. H: (in a befuddled, confused state from viewing the last scene) Uhhh,... ok. Ryoga: Good. I have somethin' to tell Kaori first so let's go. H: But I don't really think now's a good time to interrupt- Ryoga: (pulls her along anyway) Hey Kaori! If you get a chance, don't forget to drop by to get my 'stuff' for me. Take as long as you like. I'll have company over. But I see you not doing too bad yourself. Y: (still in a trance-like mode; addressing Ryoga) Hi there friend. Ryoga: Friend? Pretty rotten mood you're in today, aren't you? Y: Every day is a happy day friend... Ryoga: Something's up with this guy today. Y: Oh Hik-chan! There you are! H: Y: There's something on your shoes. (points down) H: (looks down) Where? Y: (flicks up her hair) Made you look! Made you look! (bursts out laughing) Ryoga: What a childish prank to play. H: That's not very funny Yuusaku Hino. Y: No? How about this? (grabs her in a headlock and gives her a noogie) H: (shocked and exasperated look) Why you... (*prepares to launch the Hikaru slap*) Y: (catches her hand in mid-air) Funny joke wasn't it? I just love antagonizing my onee-san. (looks at watch) Well what do you know? I have no more time to baby-sit you nee-san. Gotta things to do, places to go, right Kaori love? Let's go. I'll take you where you need to go. (Hops on bike and pulls Kaori behind him) (*SPUTTER SPUTTER POP! POP!*) Ryoga: (clenches fist) You're a dead - H: (restrains him) Forget it. Let's go to your place. I really need to study for that final english exam. Muroke: (mouth agape after viewing the whole turn of events which transpired in a flash; looks down at metal canister) My Lord! What just happend here? Did I create a monster? I'd gotta find my chem buddy pronto to see what exactly he put in this thing. [Riding on the bike] Y: Where're to babe? Kaori: Man, you've been drinkin', haven't you? You shouldn't drink and drive. Y: Gawd, you sound like Hikaru now. I thought you like living life on the edge. You now, I'm plain nuts about you. Kaori: What's up with your head man? You always seemed put off. Y: Ha. That's was the shy, sissy me. Now I'm improved! I'm the big, bad boy you've been looking for. I'm going to be the head honcho here at this school from now on. Now cut me some slack and let me ride! (pops a wheelie on the bike) Kaori: (grabs hold of his chest to hang on) WOAH! (starts singing "Born to WILLD" song. Sings it rather badly though) [Downtown East District] (On the outside, we see a rundown apartment building) (Inside, we see Hikaru and Ryoga walking up a flight of rickety stairs. The outside decor is reminescent of NY apartment buildings) H: You live here? Ryoga: It's not that bad. Come on in. It gets better. (starts to unlock door) (Sign on door: Room 111) (The interior is very small and cramped. A lone table sits in the center with newspapers and empty food cartons littering the whole area. Below the window sill is the radiator while to the left is a small desk.) Ryoga: Sorry about the place being a dump and all. I'll clean it up later. (moves some stuff away) There we go. You can sit here. H: (sees a bookshelf stereo system) You own a CD player? Ryoga: Sure. Doesn't everyone? Which reminds me. I'll play some American music to get you in the mood for studying. (pops in a CD; song is "American Pie" by Don McLean.) H: You have so many English books here. No wonder you're so proficient. Ryoga: That's all I ever read. Japanese texts bore me to tears. Say, you want somethin' to drink? H: No thanks. I'm ok. Ryoga: (plops down english book) Before we get started, I need to go. Toilet's in the hallway, so can you let me in? H: Sure. Ryoga: In the meantime, you can mess with any stuff you like. Treat my home as your home. (leaves and closes front door behind him) (Hikaru sees a slip of paper inside the book) H: Hmm. I didn't leave this in here. (takes it out to reveal a greasy bar bill with some scribble on it) Listen. The boys and I will be waitin' for you at Farpoint Grove. Will hit up on those 'Zaka boys. Get ready for some heavy metal action. Be there or else! K A O R I [End of Chapter] //Get ready for the next chapter, JuSan: The Trap